Marcus Semien (2B/3B-CHW): Semien went 2 for 5 with 1 run and 1 SB. He has started 3 consecutive games, rotating between 2B and 3B, and has gone 4 for his last 8. Semien posted a .903 OPS at AA with 15 homers and 20 SB's in 105 games, and while he struggled a bit at AAA, he posted a respectable .802 OPS with 4 homers and 4 steals in 32 games. What's most impressive about Semien in his approach, as he posted a 98:90 BB:K ratio across both levels this season before being called up. For those in need of quality MI options in deeper leagues, Semien makes for an intriguing pickup for the rest of 2013. And for 2014, the numbers/pace he posted at AAA seem to be reasonable expectations.
Jurickson Profar (2B/SS-TEX): Profar came off the bench and struck out in his only 2 AB's. He now has posted a .235/.308/.329 line with 5 homers, 2 steals, 25 RBI and 28 runs through his first 80 games. He hasn't been seeing consistent playing time as of late, and with the Rangers in a heated playoff battle, I wouldn't expect to see it increase significantly. I like Profar as a long-term prospect, seeing him being a top-10 MI option as early as 2015, but keep in mind that much of his pedigree is tied to his defensive value. Profar has never hit above .281 at the higher minor league levels nor has he posted an ISO above .171.
Desmond Jennings (OF-TB): Jennings logged a 1-for-4, 1-RBI night at the plate. Jennings has had a rather disappointing 2013, posting a .245/.325/.398. However, he does have 13 homers and 20 steals to go with 45 RBI and 78 runs through 127 games. What's most troublesome about Jennings is the 8 CS out of 28 SB attempts. Many scouts worried about his bat speed limiting his upside, and that looks to have been a prophetic view. Careful not to overrate him in 2014...pay for what he is.
Adam Lind (1B-TOR): Lind hit his 20th homer as part of a 2-hit night. The effort pushed his line to .279/.349/.481 with 57 RBI and 61 runs in 130 games. After Lind seemed to have made strides against lefties in the 1st half, he has struggled mightily against them in the 2nd, with his OPS against them dropping under .600. The good news is that he continues to mash righties (.889 OPS), and he should continue to receive regular AB's. Keep the split in mind down the stretch and see how it plays out during the spring next year, as it's vital to maximizing value with Lind.
Chris Archer (SP-TB): Archer rebounded last night, striking out 7 across 6 scoreless innings. He allowed only 3 hits and didn't walk a batter in picking up his 9th win. Archer has had a fantastic campaign and makes for a great option down the stretch. However, whether or not he'll be a #4 or a #2 fantasy starter long term depends on his progress against lefties: as they have posted a .337 wOBA against him vs. the .209 mark righties have posted. Keep an eye on the development of his off-speed pitches.
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